Welcome - I'm so glad you're here!
Welcome and thank you again for booking your session!
This guide is designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited as we plan your family, maternity, or newborn photography experience. You’ll find everything you need—from styling support and session prep to children’s tips and how we’ll turn your images into meaningful artwork.
preparing for your session
Now that your session is booked, we’ll focus on planning the details, so your experience feels joyful, relaxed, and meaningful. You don’t need to figure everything out right away — I’ll guide you step by step.
We’ll explore:
- Styling + wardrobe support
- Location + timing guidance
- Preparing children (and yourself)
- What session day feels like
- How images are delivered
Let’s begin.
Session-specific recommendations for family, maternity, and newborn photography are outlined below.
styling tips for your session
The most timeless imagery comes from simplicity. Soft, neutral palettes, muted tones, and natural textures photograph beautifully and ensure the focus remains on connection rather than clothing.
Rather than matching outfits exactly, styling works best when each individual complements the whole. Coordinated tones create cohesion, while variation allows personality to emerge naturally. Bright neons, bold graphics, and heavy patterns tend to distract from the emotional center of an image and are best avoided in favor of understated elegance. When everyone wears something different — yet complementary — each personality has space to shine. When you feel comfortable and confident, it shows in every image.
When planning outfits:
- Choose neutral, soft tones that complement each other
- Add interest through texture and layers rather than bold patterns
- Avoid logos, characters, or neon colors
- Prioritize comfort—especially for kids
Flattering choices for women
Flowing dresses and skirts bring softness and movement to images, creating an effortless, editorial feel. Midi and maxi lengths are particularly flattering and timeless, while thoughtfully tailored shorter silhouettes can feel equally polished.
Sleeves — especially three-quarter length or longer — provide balance and refinement on camera. Layering with a tailored jacket, soft knit, or light wrap adds depth and versatility without overwhelming the frame.
Footwear completes the look. Neutral heels elongate the body and photograph beautifully, while elegant flats offer a comfortable alternative when shoes are not the focal point.
Styling Tips for Men
For men, fit is more important than price. A well-fitted button-down, slacks or dark-wash jeans, and a blazer or sport coat instantly elevate the look and photograph beautifully.
Long sleeves are more flattering than short sleeves and allow for flexibility — sleeves can always be rolled for a relaxed feel. Neutral colors and soft tones work best, and solid pieces keep attention where it belongs: on faces and connection.
Closed-toe dress shoes (especially brown leather) complete the look and feel intentional without being overdone.
Coordinating the Whole Family
The most visually compelling family portraits are built around balance rather than uniformity. Starting with one key piece — often the mother’s dress — allows the remaining outfits to be styled in harmony. Each family member should carry their own dominant tone, subtly echoed throughout the group. Mixing textures, layers, and silhouettes creates depth and visual interest, resulting in images that feel organic and thoughtfully composed.
Accessories & Meaningful Details
The right accessories and small details can add depth, texture, and personality to your images without distracting from what matters most. These subtle touches help tell your story and make your portraits feel layered and personal.
Think simple and intentional. Delicate jewelry, a meaningful necklace, heirloom rings, or a favorite pair of boots can add interest while still keeping the focus on connection. Soft layers like scarves, cardigans, or textured knits photograph beautifully and create movement, especially in outdoor sessions.
For children, small details go a long way—bare feet, well-loved shoes, a favorite hat, or a sentimental item can add authenticity and charm. These personal elements help your images feel lived-in and real, rather than overly styled.
Client Closet
Clients are welcome to browse and borrow from the Client Closet as part of their session experience, with styling guidance provided to help create a polished, intentional look. The goal is to take the stress out of deciding what to wear so you can arrive feeling relaxed, confident, and fully present with your family. Thoughtfully curated with classic, neutral pieces, each item is chosen to photograph beautifully, flatter a wide range of skin tones, and move naturally on camera.
During our pre-planning conversation, we’ll review Client Closet dress options and discuss what will work best for your session. Dresses can be mailed to you ahead of time so you can try them on at home, or we can plan for you to select and try a dress at the session—whichever feels easiest.
image delivery
After your session, your images aren’t just delivered and forgotten—I love helping you turn them into something tangible and lasting.
Instead of simply sending a gallery link and wishing you luck, we’ll schedule a gallery review and ordering meeting after your session. This is a relaxed, fun time for us to sit down together—either in your home or at a local coffee shop. And don’t worry, I’ll bring homemade muffins or cookies because that part matters too.
During this meeting, we’ll:
- View your full gallery together
- Identify your favorite images and genuine moments
- Design your custom heirloom album
- Choose images for prints or gifts if desired
collection Options:
LUXE HEIRLOOM COLLECTION
20 image 12 x 12 album
2 mini gift 6 x 6 albums
Matching proofs 4 X 6 set in glass box
Receive 20% fine art prints
$2,400
HEIRLOOM COLLECTION
20 image 10 x 10 album
1 mini gift 6 x 6 album
Matching proofs 4 X 6 set in glass box
Receive 20% fine art prints
$2,000
LITE COLLECTION
20 image 8 x 8 album
Matching proofs 4 X 6
Receive 20% fine art prints
$1,600
All albums are custom-designed and finalized during your ordering meeting. I’ll guide you through size, materials, and layout to create an album that tells your story beautifully.
Heirloom Albums
Beautifully handcrafted using archival materials, these flush mount albums are designed to preserve your family’s story for generations. Each album is thoughtfully made with thick, lay-flat pages and photographic prints that showcase your images in a timeless, elevated way.
These albums are not mass-produced. They are custom-designed, carefully assembled, and meant to be held, shared, and passed down—long after the season they capture has passed.
Album Sizes
8 x 8 album starting at $1,220
12 x 12 album starting at $1,400
8 x 10 album starting at $1,250
9 x 12 album starting at $1,550
11 x 14 album starting at $1,700
Add- ons
20 spread (40 image) upgrade $400
mini album / gift album $350
foil debossing on cover $50
fine art prints
Fine art prints are offered on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Bright White with a full frame finished on a straight edge.
Fine art prints are only available with the purchase of an album or collection.
print Sizes
16 X 20 $215 + tax
11 X 14 $120 + tax
12 X 12 $115 + tax
10 X 10 $80 + tax
BUNDLE
8 X 10 (set of 3) $200 + tax
5 X 7 (set of 3) $165 + tax
4 x 6 (set of 5) $100 + tax
A Final Note
I know this is a lot of information to take in, and there’s absolutely no expectation to remember everything. You can always refer back to the materials in your Welcome Box (which should be arriving in the mail soon, if it hasn’t already), or we can talk through everything together.
If you’d like extra guidance, I’d love to connect on a pre-session planning call. We’ll walk through outfits, location details, and any lingering questions so you can feel completely prepared and confident going into your session. You can use the button below to choose a time that works best for your schedule.
Your images are more than pictures—they’re memories of real life, real connection, and real love. My goal is to support you every step of the way so the focus stays on your family and the season you’re living right now.
I’m truly honored to document this for you.
— Dana R.